Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Additional Participating Entity:Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Spokane, Washington
Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdfInvestigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdmshttp://registry.faa.gov/N8432Analysis According to the pilot in the experimental, amateur-built, tailwheel-equipped airplane, during the takeoff roll on runway 25, the airplane weathervaned into the 11-knot crosswind from the south. The airplane exited the left side of the runway and struck a precision approach path indicator (PAPI) light, but the pilot continued the takeoff. During the initial climb, the passenger reported smelling fuel, but the airplane remained airborne until the fuel in the right tank was exhausted.The pilot further reported that he was unsure if the landing gear were damaged, and he was unable to contact anyone at the airport to verify the landing gear's condition. He flew to a nearby airport, where the tower controller confirmed that the landing gear appeared undamaged. The pilot landed the airplane without further incident.The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing spar and the elevator.The nearest METAR to the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 200° at 10 knots.The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.Probable Cause and FindingsThe National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll in crosswind conditions. FindingsAircraftDirectional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)Personnel issuesAircraft control - Pilot (Cause)Environmental issuesCrosswind - Effect on operationFactual InformationHistory of FlightTakeoffOther weather encounterRunway excursionCollision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Location: Othello, WAAccident Number: GAA18CA014Date & Time: 10/14/2017, 1345 PDTRegistration: N8432Aircraft: HIMSL VINCENT S VANS RV-8Aircraft Damage: SubstantialDefining Event: Collision during takeoff/landInjuries: 2 NoneFlight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal According to the pilot in the experimental amateur built, tailwheel-equipped airplane, during the takeoff roll on runway 25, the airplane weathervaned into the 11kt crosswind from the south.The airplane exited the left side of the runway and struck a precision approach path indicator (PAPI) light, but the pilot continued the takeoff. During the initial climb the passenger reported smelling fuel, but the pilot remained airborne until the fuel in the right tank was exhausted.The pilot further reported that he was unsure if the landing gear was damaged and he was unable to contact anyone at the airport to verify the landing gear's condition. He flew to a nearby airport, where the tower confirmed that the landing gear appeared undamaged. The pilot landed the airplane without further incident.The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing spar and the elevator.The nearest METAR to the accident airport, reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 200° at 10kts.The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Pilot InformationCertificate: PrivateAge: 68, MaleAirplane Rating(s): Single-engine LandSeat Occupied: FrontOther Aircraft Rating(s): NoneRestraint Used: 5-pointInstrument Rating(s): AirplaneSecond Pilot Present: NoInstructor Rating(s): NoneToxicology Performed: NoMedical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/LimitationsLast FAA Medical Exam: 01/05/2016Occupational Pilot: NoLast Flight Review or Equivalent: 10/09/2016Flight Time: (Estimated) 570 hours (Total, all aircraft), 201 hours (Total, this make and model), 509 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)